Pep Guardiola was deeply aware of Southampton’s threat ahead of kickoff, foreshadowing a tense clash. Manchester City’s class might have pulled them clear of the home team at the final reckoning, but they did not book their spot in the last four of the FA Cup without a fight. Tactical analysis and match report by […]
In a crucial fixture for European places, Tottenham Hotspur conspired in their new craft, as they comfortably beat a scattered West Ham United. Connections through the lines were pivotal in playing through the visitors, before a classic partnership provided the finishing touches. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. London matchups aren’t always feisty, but […]
A lethargic and slumped performance is not desired when maximum points are the minimum. Internazionale was adaptable but lacked cohesiveness, with neither team able to capitalize on each other’s imperfections. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. The Scudetto sprint had seen Inter stride into an impressive lead: a team whose structure has kept their […]
Rolling back the years in their fight to finish in the top four, amid their latest growth spurt, Arsenal relished the visit of Liverpool as a stern trial of their credentials. The visitors were slow to find their rhythm before half time, but tinkering from the dugout was too much to handle. Tactical analysis and […]
On home turf at the Amsterdam Arena, Ajax expected to atone for their first leg profligacy and get into the last eight of the Champions League. Their dominance of the ball, field and chances signaled a victory, but a marksman emerged from the shadows to break hearts near the death. Tactical analysis and match report […]
In a game where both sides were evenly matched from a tactical perspective, it was physicality and execution that were the bigger stories of the day. Bayern Munich was unable to overcome the finishing issues that seem to affect them at times, while Hoffenheim continued their run of strong results. Tactical analysis and match report […]
The first edition of this star ensemble had afforded the defeated just enough room in the plot for a blockbuster sequel. Indeed, Carlo Ancelotti spurned old habits in an attempt to keep up his end of the bargain, only for a familiar script to set up an epically cataclysmic conclusion. Tactical analysis and match report […]
Leaving half an eye on their comeback challenge in midweek, Real Madrid looked to assert the initiative they possess at home. The scoreline makes for ideal reading, but Carlo Ancelotti’s new intent caught the eye as an insight into what might hold the key to their success on Wednesday. Tactical analysis and match report by […]
It might have taken an own goal for Bayer Leverkusen to restore parity, but the visitors were far from toothless in their encounter against the champions. Despite missing striker Patrik Schick, Florian Wirtz & co. found a way through, even managing to rack up a higher expected goal count than their Bavarian hosts. Tactical analysis […]
Though they eventually found their feet in the game, the damage was already inflicted to West Ham which they could not recover from. Liverpool worked the ball around the West Ham block but looked shaky when Moyes’s men produced runs on the far side. However, without the proper profiles and last-minute interventions, the hosts kept […]